Gastrojejunal Feeding Research Articles

17 Caregiver experiences with enteral feeding transitions

Abstract Background Children with medical complexity (CMC) are an expanding group within paediatrics due to advances in medical care, often including a dependence on medical technology. Issues such as oromotor swallowing dysfunction and feeding difficulties are common in this population. As a result, many CMC require the use of enteral tubes for feeding. While evidence does support improved nutritional status with the use of enteral feeding tubes, there is limited literature discussing how these interventions impact other patient centered outcomes, such as quality of life for the child, changes in parental caregiving, and logistical implications for the family. A comprehensive understanding of the positive and negative outcomes associated with selection and transition between different feeding tube options is needed. Objectives To describe and explore the caregiver and patient experience with different feeding tubes, with a focus on the experience of transitioning between different enteral feeding modalities. Design/Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 participants, including both caregivers and two patients. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to identify preliminary themes from interviews. Themes were further refined by the study team. Results The themes identified through interviews included: A) the pros and cons with each type of enteral feeding modality, B) the emotional impacts on patients and caregivers, C) logistical impacts on day-to-day life for families, and D) the experience of transitioning between feeding tubes. Globally, participants spoke positively about their transition from nasogastric feeding to either gastrostomy or gastrojejunal feeding tubes. Caregivers also felt that they were integral to the decision-making process, though some felt in hindsight the transition process was too slow. Conclusion This study highlights both the complexity and heterogeneity of the caregiver experience with different feeding tubes. It found that most families consistently viewed their transitions with enteral feeding tubes positively, as this was seen as a significant milestone in helping their child both nutritionally and with their quality of life. Finally, further research could be done to explore experiences with gastrojejunal and jejunal feeding, as this patient population is not well elucidated within the literature.

Successful Endoscopic Closure of the Appendiceal Orifice

Introduction: Colocutaneous fistulas are severe complications that traditionally are repaired surgically with resection of the fistula followed by end-to-end anastomosis of the bowel. Given the high morbidity of surgery, an alternative approach to consider is endoscopic fistula closure with clips, which is a minimally invasive approach and is safe with high success rates.1–5 Currently, there are no reports in the literature describing endoscopic closure of the appendiceal orifice. This video case report describes a technique for placement of an over the endoscope clip at the appendiceal orifice to effectively close a colocutaneous fistula. Materials and Methods: The patient was a 69-year-old male with Marfan's syndrome who was 5 months status post primary repair of a duodenal perforation with feculent peritonitis. His early postoperative course was complicated by a persistent leak from an unknown source. One month postoperatively, imaging showed a large retroperitoneal abscess that required percutaneous drain placement. At that time, surgical endoscopy was consulted for duodenal evaluation and found no clear evidence of a leak from the duodenum. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube with a jejunal feeding extension was placed. Four months after his index operation, he presented to the clinic with a change in drain output character that was suspicious for an enterocutaneous fistula. Fistulogram with contrast injected into the patient's percutaneous drainage catheter demonstrated continuity with the colon in the right lower quadrant. He was taken for a colonoscopy and fluoroscopy for further evaluation of the colocutaneous fistula. After injection of saline at the drain site, saline was seen trickling into the cecum from the appendiceal orifice. The decision was made to close the orifice with a 12/6T over-the-endoscope clip. The percutaneous retroperitoneal drain was removed 5 days postoperatively and he was discharged home 7 days postoperatively on a low residue diet. Results: At 1 month follow-up, the patient was doing well on a regular diet with no abdominal pain or fevers. A routine imaging scan performed 7 weeks postoperatively showed no recurrent retroperitoneal fluid collection. His gastrojejunal feeding tube was removed. Conclusion: Over-the-endoscope clipping of the appendiceal orifice to repair a colocutaneous fistula is technically feasible and appears safe. Endoscopic therapy spared this patient from a potential ileocecectomy. To date, no other similar procedures have been performed by our department in other patients. Further study is necessary to establish the safety of this procedure before its implementation as standard practice. A.H. has no disclosures. E.M.P. is a lecturer for BD, Medtronic, Ovesco, and Boston Scientific. E.M.P. is a consultant for Boston Scientific, Actuated Biomedical, Baxter, Wells Fargo, Cook Biotech, Neptune Medical, Surgimatrix, CMR Surgical, Boehringer Laboratories, Allergan, and Noah Medical. J.S.W. is a consultant for Boston Scientific. Author(s) have received and archived patient consent for video recording/publication in advance of video recording of procedure. Runtime of video: 5 mins 20 secs This video was accepted as a video presentation at the 2023 Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgery on March 29 to April 1, 2023.

Mortality and morbidity following gastrojejunal feeding tube placement in children and adolescents, does the technique matter? Systematic review

Mortality and morbidity following gastrojejunal feeding tube placement in children and adolescents, does the technique matter? Systematic review

Malrotation and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2-Associated Craniosynostosis: An Underrecognized Association and Management Pathway.

Feeding difficulties are common and multifactorial in children with Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 (FGFR-2) mutations. Intestinal rotation anomalies have been demonstrated to occur more frequently in animals with FGFR-2 mutations. This study aims to describe intestinal rotation anomalies, surgical management, and feeding assistance in children with FGFR-2 mutations who have undergone upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies. Retrospective data were collected of children born between 1988 and 2020 in a UK quaternary craniofacial unit with FGFR-2-associated craniosynostosis. A consultant survey of approach to malrotation was undertaken. Thirty-four children were included, 17 (50%) female. Six (18%) had UGI symptoms, which included bilious vomiting (n=2), nonbilious vomiting (n=5), retching (n=1), feed intolerance (n=3), and failure to thrive (n=3). Nine had a gastrostomy in situ. Intestinal rotation anomalies occurred in 4 (12%) children, 3 of whom underwent a Ladd procedure and two third required gastrojejunal feeding postoperatively. Consultants agreed that all children with FGFR-2 mutation and UGI symptoms should undergo UGI contrast study, as should children requiring a gastrostomy. Intestinal rotation anomalies in children with FGFR-2 mutations occur more frequently than the general population. Prompt consideration of UGI contrast in symptomatic children with FGFR-2 mutation is recommended to enable early surgical management of children with malrotation.

Gastrojejunal (GJ) tube feeding: developing a service and evaluating associated complications in a paediatric surgical centre.

Gastrojejunal (GJ) tubes are becoming an established alternative method of delivering nutrition to children who do not tolerate gastric feeding. However, there is limited literature surrounding patient outcomes, the longevity of tubes or complications. We aim to highlight the development and evaluation of a service to provide children with GJ tube feeding. A retrospective case-note review of children either undergoing an initial gastrostomy to gastrojejunal tube conversion or gastrojejunal tube replacement in our tertiary paediatric surgical centre between January 2015 and June 2018. 134 GJ feeding tubes were placed in 33 neurologically impaired children with a median age of 4.9years (8months-17years) having a median 4 tube placements per child (1-11) within the study period. All tubes were 14 or 16Fr 'AMT G-JET' tubes with a median replacement time of 174.9days (13-504days). The most common indication was foregut dysmotility in children with global developmental delay. The complication rate was 34.3% (46 tubes). In the study period, 2 patients (6.1%) reverted to oral feeding, 6 patients (18.2%) to gastric feeding and 25 children (75.7%) continued with jejunal feeding. No child required fundoplication. There were no procedure-related mortalities or mortality. GJ tube feeding is an effective and safe method of managing children with foregut dysmotility. Many patients do not require permanent jejunal feeding, and thus the reversibility of this method is an asset. A dedicated team is needed to co-ordinate tube replacements and provide efficient long-term jejunal feeding. IV.

Long-term outcomes following failure of Nissen fundoplication.

To determine the management and outcomes of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) that requires further intervention following failure of Nissen fundoplication (NF). After institutional audit department approval, a retrospective review of paediatric patients who had further intervention following failure of primary NF between January 2006 and December 2015 for GOR at our centre was performed. Data are presented as median (range). Of 820 patients who underwent NF, 190 (23%) received further procedures for GOR management at a median of 21months of age (6-186); 90/190 (47%) had gastro-jejunal feeding (GJ). Of these, 67 (74%) remained on GJ feeds up to a median of 48months and 23/90 (26%) had a second NF after GJ feeding. 97/190 (51%) had a redo fundoplication without having had a GJ; thus, 120/190 (63%) of patients having a further procedure went on to have a second NF after a median period of 15months (1-70months). Three patients (2%) had early emergency wrap revision 4days after first fundoplication (we classed this as an 'early complication'). Of the seven patients who failed a 3rd NF, 4 continued GJ feeding, 2 of had oesophagogastric dissociation; 2 had 4th NF of which 1 was successful and 1 patient had gastric pacemaker and is successfully feeding orally. Patients who were finally successfully managed with GJ underwent 2 (2-5) tube changes/year. We found patients who had a previous GJ were more likely to have failure of the redo fundoplication than those who had not to have the GJ (16/24 vs. 30/90, p = 0.005). The chance of success decreases with every further attempt at fundoplication. The only factor significantly associated with failure of redo fundoplication was whether the patient previously had a GJ tube. In patients with failed fundoplications, when symptom free on jejunal feedings, further anti-reflux surgical intervention should be avoided. A randomized prospective study is needed for patient selection.

The Role of Palliative Surgery in Stage IV Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Palliative chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma but in some patients, surgically correctable factors such as obstruction lead to intolerance of further systemic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of selective palliative surgery in incurable gastric cancer. Methods: All patients with stage IV and locally advanced unresectable gastric adenocarcinoma treated at a single centre from March 2006 to January 2019 were included. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were categorized into palliative surgery (PS) and no surgery (NS). Results: Of 666 patients with gastric cancer treated over the study period, 146 patients had stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma and 121 patients met inclusion criteria. Sites of metastases were peritoneum (55; 46%), non-regional lymph nodes (10; 8%), solid organ (17, 14%), adjacent organ invasion (4, 3.3%) and a combination of factors (32, 26%). Forty-six (38%) patients underwent palliative surgery which included anatomical gastrectomy (total, subtotal, distal or proximal, 78%) gastro-jejunal bypass and feeding jejunostomy (12%). Thirty-day post-operative complications occurred in 24 patients (52%) with one mortality (2.1%). Following surgery, 52% received systemic chemotherapy. For the PS and NS groups respectively, median overall survival was 9.1 versus 9.4 months (p = 0.6) and median progression-free survival was 7.1 versus 6.7 months (p = 0.2) after a follow up period of 7.3 (4.7-13.1) versus 7.8 (2.6-13.4) months (p = 0.46). Conclusion: Targeted surgical intervention for incurable gastric cancer can be used to palliate symptoms and facilitate continuation of systemic therapy with acceptable risks and post-operative outcomes.

Feasibility and efficacy of enteral tube feeding on weight stability, lean body mass, and patient-reported outcomes in pancreatic cancer cachexia.

BackgroundAdvanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by progressive weight loss and nutritional deterioration. This wasting has been linked to poor survival outcomes, alterations in host defenses, decreased functional ability, and diminished health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in pancreatic cancer patients. There are currently no standardized approaches to the management of pancreatic cancer cachexia. This study explores the feasibility and efficacy of enteral tube feeding of a peptide‐based formula to improve weight stability and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in advanced PDAC patients with cachexia.MethodsThis was a single‐institution, single‐arm prospective trial conducted between April 2015 and March 2019. Eligible patients were adults (>18 years) diagnosed with advanced or locally advanced PDAC and cachexia, defined as greater than 5% unexplained weight loss within 6 months from screening. The study intervention included three 28 day cycles of a semi‐elemental peptide‐based formula, administered through a jejunal or gastrojejunal feeding tube. The primary outcome was weight stability at 3 months (Cycle 3), defined as weight change less than 0.1 kg/baseline BMI unit from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes in lean body mass, appendicular lean mass, bone mineral density, fat mass, and percent body fat, as measured with a DEXA scan, HRQOL (EORTC QLQC30) and NIH PROMIS PROs assessed at each cycle. Daily activity (steps, distance, active minutes, heart rate, and sleep) were remotely monitored using a wearable activity monitor (Fitbit) over the 3 month study period.ResultsThirty‐six patients were screened for eligibility, 31 patients consented onto study and underwent jejunal tube placement, and 16 patients completed treatment: mean age 67 years (SD 9.3), 43.8% male. Among evaluable patients (n = 16), weight stability was achieved in 10 patients (62.5%), thus completing the trial early. Increases in lean body mass (1273.1, SD: 4078, P = 0.01) and appendicular lean mass (0.45, SD: 0.6, P = 0.02) were observed. Statistically significant improvements at Cycle 3 from baseline were also observed for QLQC30 role function [mean difference (MD): 20.1, P = 0.03], appetite (MD: 27.4, P = 0.02), and global health scores (MD: 13.3, P = 0.05) as well as for NIH PROMIS t‐scores for depression (MD: −10.4, P = 0.006) and pain interference (MD: −7.5, P = 0.05). Objectively monitored (Fitbit) activity levels increased, although statistical significance was not reached.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that enteral nutrition support may improve weight stability, lean body mass, appendicular lean mass and PROs in PDAC patients with cachexia who completed treatment, representing a subsample of the study population. The feasibility and role of enteral feeding in routine care remain unclear, and larger and randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Cost evaluation of two types of gastrojejunal feeding tubes used in pediatric patients.

Gastrojejunal tubes are important feeding devices for children with gastro-esophageal reflux, allowing medication and feeding into the small bowel, and allowing gastric venting to prevent reflux. As with many medical devices, there are multiple manufacturers and designs, including balloon-retained tubes and disc-retained tubes. This study evaluated the cost difference between these two types of gastrojejunal tube. We conducted a 3.5-year retrospective cost evaluation for all pediatric patients undergoing an insertion or change of gastrojejunal tube using a bottom-up micro-costing analysis. We calculated days between encounters and a subsequent cost per day for each patient. A total of 187 children and adolescents were included, with an average age of 9.2years. They underwent a total of 1,240 encounters, an average of 6.6 encounters per patient during the study period. A total of 82% of these encounters were related to balloon-retained tubes and 18% to disc-retained tubes. The most common reason for an encounter was a routine change (57%), with mechanical complications accounting for 31%. Disc-retained tubes had a longer period between encounters (117.5days) than balloon-retained tubes (95days; P=0.038). However, disc-retained tubes cost 6.9 British pound sterling (GBP) per day, which was significantly higher than balloon-retained tubes at 5.2 GBP per day (P<0.0001). Despite being more expensive to purchase, balloon-retained tubes were noted to be the least costly device in a cost-per-day analysis.

A Novel Approach to Managing Giant Duodenal Ulcer Perforations: Minimizing Ostomies, Maximizing Decompression. A Case Report

Background: Peptic ulcer perforation is a deadly complication of duodenal ulcers. The literature is still sparse in terms of giant duodenal perforations. There exist a variety of techniques to decompress the duodenum after repair which leave the patient with multiple ostomies that require extensive postoperative care. Case presentation: In this case we present a patient with AIDS who was found to have a large duodenal ulcer perforation. Intraoperatively the fragility of the patient’s duodenum warranted a method of decompression that would keep the integrity of the duodenal tissue. The common method of lateral duodenostomy was not the best option and instead a gastro-jejunal feeding tube was altered into a gastro-duodenal tube to avoid creating another ostomy. Postoperatively she did not show signs of leak, but eventually died from sepsis secondary to fulminant AIDS. Conclusions: We propose this technique as a novel method of decompressing the duodenum. This new method eliminates the need for excessive ostomies and has the possibility to make the postoperative transition simpler.

Paediatric emergency department presentations due to feeding tube complications in children with cerebral palsy

To describe the characteristics of emergency department (ED) presentations due to complications from gastrostomy or gastrojejunal feeding tubes among children with cerebral palsy (CP), the complexity of complications and the management approaches taken. The Victorian CP Register was linked to the ED databases of Victoria's two tertiary paediatric hospitals, and data on presentations due to feeding tube complications were identified based on discharge diagnosis codes. Additional data on presentations were extracted from medical records. Over 5 years, there were 234 ED presentations due to feeding tube-related complaints among a CP cohort (n = 2183). ED notes were located for 183 of the 234 presentations. The majority of presentations (90%) involved children with severe gross motor impairment. A total of 46% of presentations (n = 84) was triaged as lower urgency, and 68% (n = 124) took place between 08:00 am and 06:00 pm. The most common presenting complaint was tube dislodgement (n = 105; 70%). No investigations were recorded in the majority of cases, and in almost 90% of cases, the feeding tube was successfully replaced in the ED, usually by an ED physician (n = 74) and less frequently by a surgeon (n = 9), gastroenterologist (n = 2) or nurse (n = 8); 9% (n = 17) resulted in a hospital admission. Most ED presentations due to feeding tube complaints in children with CP are in children with severe gross motor impairment but are able to be managed in the ED. As such, it is likely that care givers and other health professionals could manage some of the complications experienced in primary health-care settings closer to home.

Gastroesophageal reflux in children with neurological impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Neurologically impaired children (NIC) suffer severe gastroesophageal reflux (GER) with poor fundoplication outcome. Aims of the study were: (1) to determine the recurrence of GER after fundoplication in NIC; (2) to compare fundoplication versus gastro-jejunal tube feeding insertion (GJ) and fundoplication versus total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD) in primarily treating GER in NIC. Using defined search strategy, two investigators identified all comparative studies reporting the mentioned procedures to primarily treat GER in NIC. The study was conducted under PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Data are mean ± SD. Of 3840 titles/abstracts screened, 14 studies on fundoplication (2716 pts.) reported a recurrence/persistence of GER higher in NIC (14.2 ± 8.3%) than in neurologically normal (9.4 ± 5.2%; p = 0.0001), with an increased incidence of re-do fundoplication (12.6 ± 7.0% versus 9.1 ± 4.5%; p < 0.01). Three studies revealed a similar risk of undergoing subsequent fundoplication after GJ (4.9 ± 2.1%) or initial fundoplication (12.0 ± 0.6%; p = ns). Four studies showed a lower recurrence of GER following TEGD (1.4 ± 1.1%) than fundoplication (24.8 ± 1.4%; p = 0.002). NIC are at risk of recurrence/persistence of GER after fundoplication or GJ. TEGD seems more effective to primarily treat GER in NIC. Prospective randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish which is the ideal treatment of GER in NIC.

Novel Modified Seldinger Technique for Gastrojejunal Feeding Tube Placement

Background:Temporary or long-term nutritional support through gastrojejunal (GJ) feeding tubes is a safe and common means of enteral feeding in adults and children. It is indicated in patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric outlet obstruction, or severe gastric dysfunction or gastroparesis. Several techniques for GJ feeding tube placement have been reported. The most technically challenging part of GJ tube placement is the advancement and optimal positioning of the jejunal extension into the proximal jejunum.Methods:A novel modified Seldinger technique was used for endoscopic placement of a percutaneous low-profile GJ tube (14 French). After gastric access was established, a dilator was advanced under endoscopic vision into the pylorus. Under fluoroscopy, a guidewire was threaded through the dilator into the duodenum. The dilator was then removed, and the GJ tube advanced over the guidewire.Results:A total of 12 patients including 9 pediatric and 3 adult underwent the procedure with no complications. The main indication was gastroparesis with oral intolerance of food. The median operative time was 41.5 minutes. All patients tolerated jejunal tube feeding after surgery.Conclusion:The modified Seldinger technique for percutaneous endoscopic GJ tube placement is a safe and efficient procedure in both children and adults. Further studies are necessary to prove its reproducibility in other centers and to compare it to other methods of PEGJ tube placement.

Kids GPS Integrated Care - Leaving the Ivory Tower

Introduction : Children are increasingly surviving antenatally with complex and chronic conditions. Their families face significant challenges in navigating the health system, and managing transport, cost, and school and work days missed to access care from the network of tertiary children’s hospitals in NSW - Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Transformational change is required from this organisation, frequently seen as an ivory tower that isolates children from primary care and local health services. Practice change implemented : Partnerships have been formed with local hospitals and general practitioners, to support an integrated model of care that helps families feel safe wherever they are accessing health services. Care Coordinators are responsible for facilitating shared care models, identifying opportunities to localise care and guiding the child and their family in navigating the health system. The project is using a QI framework, with each of the project streams testing the model of care conducting a series of Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles to refine the model through the experience of each child referred to the program. Aim and theory of change : The aim is for everyone to understand their role in a child’s care plan and feel supported in their work, and for families to feel connected to their local health services. There is emerging evidence that Care Coordination decreases Emergency Department presentations and admissions, and increases parental satisfaction and family functioning. Targeted population and stake holders : The cohorts amongst this population include babies discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit; children with naso-gastric and gastro-jejunal feeding tubes; school children in rural areas; children who present frequently to ED with asthma; and children with food allergies. 160 care professionals have partnered with the Kids GPS initiative, ranging from sub-specialists, paediatricians and nurses, to GPs and Allied Health practitioners in the community. Timeline : The project commenced in 2015 and is currently implementing across three regions. Highlights : Amongst the 190 children enrolled in the Care Coordination service, an estimated 36,500kms in travel and 168 day only admissions have been avoided in the year to June 2016. The program has facilitated GP engagement for more than thirty families who did not have a relationship with a general practitioner when initially enrolled. A parent activation measure is being used to establish a measure of parental satisfaction and empowerment in their involvement in their child’s care. Sustainability : The cultural change, cross-boundary clinical networks and system capacity created by the project will continue to support the Care Coordinators – a permanently funded clinical service – after the project’s conclusion. Transferability : The model tested within the initial cohorts will become standard practice for the Care Coordination Team. Conclusions : Children with even the most complex of conditions can have elements of their care delivered safely in the community provided there is open communication and support available to everyone in the care team, including the family. Lessons learned : A QI framework allows the project to start small and continue to refine as it scales, and the incremental change does not feel threatening to the participants.

Effectiveness of Fundoplication or Gastrojejunal Feeding in Children With Neurologic Impairment

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), aspiration, and secondary complications lead to morbidity and mortality in children with neurologic impairment (NI), dysphagia, and gastrostomy feeding. Fundoplication and gastrojejunal (GJ) feeding can reduce risk. We compared GJ to fundoplication using first-year postprocedure reflux-related hospitalization (RRH) rates. We identified children with NI, dysphagia requiring gastrostomy tube feeding and GER undergoing initial GJ placement or fundoplication from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012. Data came from the Pediatric Health Information Systems augmented by laboratory, microbiology, and radiology results. GJ placement was ascertained using radiology results and fundoplication by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Subjects were matched within hospital using propensity scores. The primary outcome was first-year postprocedure RRH rate (hospitalization for GER disease, other esophagitis, aspiration pneumonia, other pneumonia, asthma, or mechanical ventilation). Secondary outcomes included failure to thrive, death, repeated initial intervention, crossover intervention, and procedural complications. We identified 1178 children with fundoplication and 163 with GJ placement, matching 114 per group. Matched sample RRH incident rate per child-year (95% confidence interval) for GJ was 2.07 (1.62-2.64) and for fundoplication 1.67 (1.28-2.18), P = .19. Odds of death were similar between groups. Failure to thrive, repeat of initial intervention, and crossover intervention were more common in the GJ group. In children with NI, GER, and dysphagia: fundoplication and GJ feeding have similar RRH outcomes. Either intervention can reduce future aspiration risk; the choice can reflect non-RRH-related complication risks, caregiver preference, and clinician recommendation.

Development and characterization of a technique for percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy tube placement in the dog.

To develop and describe a technique for percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy tube placement in the dog. Prospective technique development study. University teaching hospital. Six healthy adult male Beagles. Following anesthetic induction, fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance were used to identify an appropriate gastropexy site on the left lateral abdomen. Gastropexy was performed using gastrointestinal suture anchors. An over-the-wire catheter technique using fluoroscopic guidance was used to achieve jejunal access. An 18F/8F, 58 cm, dual-lumen gastrojejunal feeding tube was placed via serial over-the-wire dilation of the body wall using an 18F peel-away introducer kit. Tube location was determined radiographically immediately following placement and on days 2, 4, after emesis on day 4, and at time of gastrojejunal feeding tube removal (day 16-18). Percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy (PRGJ) tube placement was successful in all dogs. Median time to pyloric passage with the guide wire was 23.5 minutes (range, 9-93 minutes). Median total procedure time was 53 minutes (range, 49-113 minutes). Significant tube migration was not observed at any point during the study. One dog developed linear foreign body obstruction secondary to the tube on day 5 that was relieved by release of the jejunal component. Other complications were minor and included mild-to-moderate peristomal inflammation in all dogs and removal of the feeding tube on day 3 by 1 dog. Feedings were well tolerated in all dogs. PRGJ tube placement in the dog is a safe and minimally invasive technique that allows for jejunal feeding without surgery or endoscopy. The high success rates, acceptable procedural times, and minimal complications are appealing for use in critically ill patients. Although additional evaluations are needed, PRGJ tube placement may be considered for dogs that require postpyloric feeding with or without gastric decompression.

Prolonged Barium-Impaction Ileus in Two Lung Transplant Recipients With Systemic Sclerosis: Case Report

Lung transplantation can be a life-saving measure for people with end-stage lung disease from systemic sclerosis. However, outcomes of lung transplantation may be compromised by gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic sclerosis, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Esophageal and gastric disease can be managed by enteral feeding with the use of a gastrojejunal feeding tube. In this report, we describe the clinical courses of 2 lung transplant recipients with systemic sclerosis who experienced severe and prolonged barium-impaction ileus after insertion of a percutaneous gastrojejunal feeding tube.

Gastrojejunal tube placement through an established gastrostomy via an endoscopic transgastric approach in a pediatric population

Gastrojejunal feeding tubes (GJTs) are typically converted from gastrostomy feeding tubes by interventional radiology in many pediatric centers to provide both postpyloric feeding and gastric decompression. Endoscopic transgastric GJT placement via an established gastric stoma can be performed without sedation and with minimal fluoroscopy but is relatively new in pediatrics with limited description. This study analyzed the success rate, adverse events, and technical issues associated with endoscopic GJT placement via a transgastric approach in pediatric patients at a large children's hospital. We retrospectively reviewed endoscopic GJT placements in pediatric patients performed over a 16-month period at the Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center. Indication for GJT placement, patient demographic characteristics and medical history, use of sedation, fluoroscopy time, and procedural and postprocedural adverse events were assessed. A total of 47 GJT placements were performed, all successful, in a patient cohort with a mean age of 8 years. The mean fluoroscopy time was 10 seconds, and sedation was used in 30% of placements. In 8 patients who had undergone GJT placement by endoscopy and interventional radiology, the fluoroscopy time was significantly reduced by using the endoscopic method (10 seconds vs 299 seconds, P = .001). Endoscopic transgastric GJT placement via an established gastrostomy with fluoroscopic confirmation can be safely performed by pediatric gastroenterologists without sedation and with minimal radiation exposure.

Complications of gastrojejunal feeding tubes in children

BackgroundLong-term gastrojejunal (GJ) feeding is an increasingly popular alternative to gastric fundoplication for children with pathologic reflux, particularly those with neurologic impairment. We sought to evaluate morbidity associated with GJ feeding tubes in a large population of children. Materials and methodsThe records of all children who underwent placement of a GJ feeding tube in a large children's hospital between January 2005 and September 2013 were reviewed. Indications for GJ feedings were noted. Events including a requirement for tube replacement and intestinal complications attributable to a GJ tube that required a laparotomy were evaluated. Risk factors for morbidity were assessed. ResultsA total of 124 children underwent GJ tube placement at an average age of 5.0 y (2 mo–16 y). Of the total, 83 (66%) subjects were neurologically impaired and 108 (87%) had gastroesophageal reflux. Of those, 55 (44%) had undergone prior laparoscopic fundoplication. Persistent reflux symptoms occurred in 22 (17.6%). Subjects underwent an average of 2.75 tube replacements per year and those under 2 y old had almost four. Four children (3.2%) required emergent laparotomy for intestinal perforation due to a GJ tube. These subjects were significantly younger (12 mo) than those without perforations (60.6 mo, P < 0.005). ConclusionsGJ feeding tubes were associated with notable morbidity ranging from persistent reflux to dislodgement and intestinal perforation. Together with issues of inconvenience with continuous feedings, these complications should be taken into account in children and particularly infants, in whom GJ feedings are being considered as an alternative to fundoplication.

Mo1403 Gastrojejunal Tube Feeding: a Potential New Treatment for Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction Type III (SODPPP) Patients With Severe Post-Prandial Pain

Mo1403 Gastrojejunal Tube Feeding: a Potential New Treatment for Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction Type III (SODPPP) Patients With Severe Post-Prandial Pain Tae Joo Jeon*, Byung Kyu Park, Laith H. Jamil, Simon K. Lo Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Gastroenterology, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of); Division of Gastroenterology, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, Korea (the Republic of) Background: ERCP and Sphincterotomy had been widely used to evaluate and treat the Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) type III condition until their benefit was disputed by the recent EPISOD study. Unfortunately, there is no proposed alternative to manometry-directed sphincterotomy at the present moment. Aim: To determine if gastrojejunal tube (PEGJ) feeding may have therapeutic benefits for SODPPP patients. Method: All SODPPP patients without sustained improvement after bi-ductal sphincterotomies were offered percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-jejunostomy tube (PEGJ) feeding. SOD III was defined by pancreatic or biliary type pain without a dilated duct or abnormal pancreatic or liver tests. PEGJ was placed in the usual fashion and inserted into the proximal antrum. PEGJ’s tip location in the proximal jejunum was confirmed with fluoroscopy. Strict NPO was kept within the first 4-6 weeks. PEGJ feeding was maintained as long as these patients needed feeding to provide nutrition or pain relief. Results: Nine highly symptomatic SODPPP patients underwent PEGJ tube insertion for feeding. All were female. Median age was 41 years old (25-53). Median duration of SOD symptoms was 27 months (22-96). All but one patient had elevated pancreatic or biliary sphincter pressure. Only one patient did not have a prior cholecystectomy. Eight patients had sphincterotomy and experienced pain improvement for a short duration (median; 8 weeks) before recurrence of symptoms. The mean duration of tube feeding was 5.08 months (S.E 1.83). Seven patients reported dramatic pain improvement. Six had less number of hospitalizations or ER visits after PEGJ feeding. Five patients were satisfied with the procedure and could return to normal daily activities while on tube feeding. Only 1 patient was not satisfied because of the lack of effectiveness. The demand of analgesics was decreased in 5 patients. Complications included prolonged tube insertion site pain-2, pinkish drainage-1, and nausea-1. Persistent insertion site pain was the reason for tube removal on day 7 in on patient. There were 4 tube malfunctions (J-tube dislodgement-2, tube coiling-1, broken tube-1). PEGJ had since been removed in 5 patients (no benefit-1, dramatic clinical improvement-1, husband’s disagreement-1, unsightly catheter-1, insertion site pain1). Interestingly, those 2 patients who had tube removal due to personal issues eventually requested PEGJ re-insertion. Conclusion: PEGJ feeding may have therapeutic benefits for the subset of highly symptomatic SOD III patients with postprandial pain exacerbations. It may represent a breakthrough in the management of these patients and should be confirmed by a larger, prospective clinical study.